3 INT. LIVING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER

EUSTACE is inside, covered with a blanket and sneezing.

MURIEL
(With thermometer in hand.)
I tried to tell you, Eustace, but you just wouldn't listen.
(Shoves the thermometer into his mouth.)

EUSTACE mumbles incoherently.

COURAGE
Uh-huh.
(Nods in agreement with MURIEL, then looks at the audience.)
Those storms are dangerous.

A sudden flash of lightning frightens COURAGE, who hides behind MURIEL.

COURAGE (CONT'D)
Ooh, ooh, ooh...
(Looks back at the audience, laughing sheepishly.)
Hee, hee.
(Looks back toward the door.)
Huh?

A low, evil growl sounds from outside, scaring all three of the characters.

MURIEL
What in heaven's name?
(Heads for the door to investigate.)

COURAGE
(Whimpering.)
No, Muriel!
(Covers his eyes.)

MURIEL
(Cracks the door open and looks out, gasping.)
Oh, my.

COURAGE
(Still covering his eyes.)
Ooh...

MURIEL
Courage! Eustace! Look!

COURAGE
(Opening his eyes.)
What is it?
(Stares openmouthed at MURIEL.)

MURIEL
(Holding the small, yellow CAT in her arms.)
Isn't it the most adorable thing you've ever seen?

EUSTACE
(Sneezing.)
Yeah. Adorable.
(Sneezes again.)
Now, get rid of it.

COURAGE
(Goes over to the door and looks out, wondering what made that evil sound.)
I _know_ I heard something out here...
(Glares back inside.)

MURIEL is still fussing over the CAT.

COURAGE (CONT'D)
And I'm pretty sure that that cat had something to do with it.
(Looks back outside.)

Several large footprints are scattered throughout the mud and continue toward the porch.

COURAGE (CONT'D)
(Screams.)
Muriel! Look!

MURIEL
What is it, Courage?
(Looks outside at the prints and gasps.)
Well, we certainly have to do something about this.

COURAGE
(Smirking at the CAT.)
Bye, bye, kitty-cat.

MURIEL
(Slams the door, almost hitting COURAGE in the process.)
Come inside, Courage.

COURAGE
What?
(Looks outside, then back at the CAT.)
What are you doing?
(Goes after MURIEL.)
There's a big monster out there and you're stealing its dinner!
(Stops and pleads with her.)
Put it back; put it back, quick!

EUSTACE
(Studying the CAT.)
Don't tell me you're keeping that little beast. The stupid dog is bad enough.

COURAGE
Yeah, the stupid dog is...
(Glares at EUSTACE.)
Hey! I'm not stupid!
(Turns to MURIEL.)
Alright, I'll strike you a deal. Let's put _him_ out there first, and maybe the thing will go away.

MURIEL
(Making a small bed for the CAT.)
We can't just leave this poor, little cat outside in the cold, especially when there's some big, evil thing out there waiting for it.

COURAGE
(Trotting after MURIEL.)
Yeah, we can. Here...
(Reaches for the CAT.)
Let me show you.

MURIEL
(Setting the CAT in the little bed.)
There.
(Smiles.)
Isn't it just adorable?
(Heads toward EUSTACE.)
I could just eat it right up.

COURAGE
(Peering into the box.)
If that thing outside doesn't eat it first...
(Looks up.)
...or _us_.
(Watches as the CAT falls fast asleep, purring loudly.)